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An Aftermarket GPS, Sony-Style

By Stephen Williams October 7, 2010 12:21 pmOctober 7, 2010 12:21 pm

Not every driver likes the suction-cup aesthetic of aftermarket GPS systems. And for those who have space in their dashboard, Sony has two new models that combine audio features with full-service navigational abilities.

With a pair of product packages, the new XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT A/V navigation systems, Sony has linked up with TomTom to turn out replacements that will substitute for many factory-installed A/V systems.

While the main draw is TomTom’s suite of wayfinding features built around a six- or seven-inch WVGA widescreen color display, there’s also Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone chat, a USB wire connector for hooking in an iPod and iPhone, and some enhanced audio capabilities, a la Sony, including faux surround sound.

The packages, priced at $1,000 and $1,300 for the larger screen model, do not include upgraded loudspeakers for the vehicle, which can be a significant added expense if true sonic quality is your quest. Of course, Sony will be happy to sell you those as well.

The dishy stuff here is some neat TomTom features, such as the “intelligent” IQ Routes, which evaluates all route options based on actual traffic speeds rather than posted speed limits, and MapShare, which incorporates shared data from other TomTom owners to keep maps and navigation directions current. Both systems are sold loaded with map data of the U.S. and Canada, and customers are offered a year of free map upgrades. Both systems go on sale in November.

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